Minutes:
The meeting was attended by representatives from the rail and bus operators who provided the Sub-Committee with updates.
Northern
Northern advised that many changes had been made to services in a short period of time, with six timetables introduced since the start of the pandemic as services were gradually reinstated. They had also introduced a new flexible season ticket which would allow people only working for part of the week to take the advantage of a season ticket discount. This was in operation throughout West Yorkshire and proving popular.
It was noted that during the summer months there had been an upsurge on leisure services to tourist and retail areas, but this had now dropped following the re-opening of schools and colleges in September. Northern thanked the Combined Authority for their help in providing standby buses during the first week of the reopening of schools.
It was reported that compliance with mask guidance had been improving, with well over 90% compliance, particularly since masks had become compulsory in retail premises.
In respect of local lockdowns, Northern advised that they were liaising closely with local authorities to ensure that their communications and messaging were in harmony.
TransPennine
TransPennine informed the Sub-committee they were maintaining a high level of performance and increasing services. There was a low level of customer demand although higher than at the beginning of the pandemic. As with Northern It was noted that during the summer months there had been an upsurge on leisure services to tourist and retail areas, but this had now dropped following the re-opening of schools and colleges in September
ASLEF Train Drivers Union had re-instated driver training which is an important step as drivers have to be reassessed.
Funding has been secured with Kirklees and West Yorkshire Combined Authority from Transform Cities Fund to enable work to commence on the toilets at Dewsbury Station which should be completed late winter/early spring.
Arriva
Arriva informed the sub-committee it had been a busy two months with many timetable changes, extra journeys and capacity restrictions across Kirklees. Arriva have been working with the Combined Authority to enable bespoke services to ensure students are able to get to schools.
The Sub-Committee was advised that as part of the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance, Arriva was currently in the process of retrofitting exhausts to a Euro 6 emissions standard, and that this programme had been made possible by the Combined Authority’s successful bid to the Clean Bus Technology fund,
The 229 Huddersfield to Leeds Buses now have premium software standards so are equipped with access to USB charges and display screens.
The Sub-Committee was informed of the sad news that Phil Carlton, known as Mr Bus, had passed away following a road traffic accident. The last bus driven by Phil, number 1933, has now been renamed to remember Phil and the bus has a name plate Phil (Mr Bus) Carlton.
First
It was highlighted that First Group had committed to operate as a zero-emissions bus company nationally by 2035 and did not plan to purchase any new diesel buses after 2022.
Resolved: That the operator updates and Sub-Committee’s feedback be noted.